Yes, Comtesse de Lineuil; it is the title which goes with an estate I
have settled on you, my dear child, and which has long been destined for
you. The name of Isabelle alone, charming though it be, is not suitable
for my daughter."

Isabelle, yielding to the impulse of the moment--as the servants had
retired and she was alone with her father--rose, and going to his side,
knelt down and kissed his hand, in token of gratitude for his delicacy
and generosity.

"Rise, my child," said he, very tenderly, and much moved, "and return
to your place. What I have done is only just. It calls for no thanks. I
should have done it long ago if it had been in my power. In the terrible
circumstances that have reunited us, my dear daughter, I can see the
finger of Providence, and through them I have learned your worth. To
your virtue alone it is due that a horrible crime was not committed, and
I love and honour you for it; even though it may cost me the loss of my
only son. But God will be merciful and preserve his life, so that he may
repent of having so persecuted and outraged the purest innocence.
Maitre Laurent, in whom I have every confidence, gives me some hope this
morning; and when I looked at Vallombreuse--from the threshold of his
room only--I could see that the seal of death was no longer upon his
face."

They were interrupted by the servants, bringing in water to wash their
fingers, in a magnificent golden bowl, and this ceremony having been
duly gone through with, the prince threw down his napkin and led the way
into the adjoining salon, signing to Isabelle to follow him. He seated
himself in a large arm-chair in front of the blazing wood fire, and
bidding Isabelle place herself close beside him, took her hand tenderly
between both of his, and looked long and searchingly at this lovely
young daughter, so strangely restored to him. There was much of sadness
mingled with the joy that shone in his eyes, for he was still very
anxious about his son, whose life was in such jeopardy; but as he gazed
upon Isabelle's sweet face the joy predominated, and he smiled very
lovingly upon the new comtesse, as he began to talk to her of long past
days.

"Doubtless, my beloved child, in the midst of the strange events that
have brought us together, in such an odd, romantic, almost supernatural
manner, the thought has suggested itself to your mind, that during all
the years that have passed since your infancy I have not sought you out,
an